KEY ACTION Council approved an agreement with Hess Energy making it possible for the village to sell water for fracking.

DISCUSSION The agreement, approved by a voice vote, involves the sale of up to 2 million gallons of water in a 24-hour period for approximately 1 cent per gallon. A temporary line will be installed along Ohio Street Extension to the train trestle before going on to dog pound.

"Under the statute, we are permitted to sell our surplus water," said solicitor Costa Mastros. "We haven't had any water needs out of the reservoir for nine or 10 years."

Mastros said all money generated from the sale of this water will stay in the Water Department, adding there is a need for the additional cash.

"We just committed to a half-million-dollar loop out past Lincoln Avenue," Mastros said. "The money will not go to the general fund and will be used to pay on the water debt."

Mastros said an adjustment in the contract will be needed to protect the village in the event water becomes too low, there are drought conditions or the sale of water is having a detrimental effect to the reservoir.

"We can hold the water sale until it recharges if we feel it's appropriate," said Mastros.

Councilman Paul Coffland asked if noise abatement had been incorporated into the agreement and Mastros said a muffler would be installed to reduce the sound from 135 to only 25 decibels.

OTHER ACTION

• Passed an ordinance authorizing and directing the clerk-treasurer to access certain appropriations and declared it an emergency.

• Heard the first reading of an ordinance establishing new rates at Sally Buffalo Park.

• Passed a resolution with Kansas State Bank of Manhattan for the financing of the street department's new backhoe.